San Francisco , United States

San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour

Active

(13 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On our Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime tour we visit the sites of Hollywood scandals, red light areas, opium dens, gang violence, Gold Rush era lynchings & kidnappings – & enjoy cocktails in one or two historic bars.

We start with the Fatty Arbuckle affair, the original sex scandal that changed the public's perception of celebrity forever (& lead to the 'morality clause' in contracts). Then we stroll down Maiden Lane, which is lined with designer shops now, but 100 years ago was the city's main red light district.

After that we visit Chinatown, an area of opium dens and gambling hellholes in days gone by. Next you'll learn about Gold Rush era SF. Then we dive down to the Barbary Coast, with its brothels & dance halls, often used to Shanghai unwary sailors (which is where the term originated).

We end the tour at the oldest bar in San Francisco, the Old Ship Saloon. Join our Notorious SF: Scandal & Crime tour & be haunted by these ghastly ghosts from San Francisco's past for weeks.

Available options

San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour

What's included

We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.

Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

We begin the tour with the Fatty Arbuckle affair, Hollywood's first ever sex scandal (here in SF). It's not just a lurid story - it's effects are still felt today in many ways.

If the hotel is open there's the option of having a drink in the very nice bar in the lobby.

Stop 2

Discover a scandalous story about the statue at the center of Union Square.

Learn how this lane - which is now a beautiful pedestrian street, was once the heart of San Francisco's red light district.

Stop 4

SF's Chinatown is the oldest in the U.S. and for many years the Chinese immigrants here were strongly discriminated against. Criminals also preyed on them - opium dens, gangs and murder were all prevalent here. Learn of some of the personalities and crimes as you walk the streets.

This is one of the oldest bars in San Francisco, dating back to when the neighborhood was known as the Barbary Coast. We usually take 10-15 minutes to get a drink - don't worry, you won't be shanghaied!

Stop 6

One of the few buildings not to burn down in the Great Fire were the Hotaling warehouses. Is that because the whiskey inside was too important to lose?

Learn how the Gold Rush made SF what it is today. In those early years it was the Wild West, murder, robbery, kidnapping - and lynchings - were commonplace in this neighborhood.

Stop 8

This neighborhood used to be called the Barbary Coast and there wasn't a more dangerous place in the world. Robbery, assault, shanghaiing - it all happened here (but not anymore, don't worry :-).

This the oldest bar in San Francisco, built on top of a Gold Rush ship that was deserted by its crew back in 1849. It's the perfect place to end the tour.

What's not included

Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.

Drinks are not included.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you may miss the tour.

Not recommended for children under 15 years old (adult content).

By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by Real San Francisco Tours terms of service.

We can go into two different bars for cocktails on this tour, each for 15 minutes. You do have to be over 21 y.o. to order an alcoholic drink – but you don’t have to be over 21 y.o. to do this tour.

Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.

This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. Please book a private tour if you have mobility issues.

Meeting point

The guide will be checking in guests the Northwest corner of Union Square - Powell and Post Streets - opposite the St Francis Hotel, from 15 minutes before the tour is due to begin.

Be sure to allow extra time for traffic and finding parking. We CANNOT wait for latecomers, there are other guests.

Important notes

Thanks for making a booking with REAL SAN FRANCISCO TOURS.

This ticket has ALL the information that you'll need - PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!

PREPARATION

Allow PLENTY of time to get to the meeting point. Remember that YOU'RE responsible for getting to the meeting point on time - not us. We do NOT have a phone/email help center. There's no point. You have ALL the information you need right here.

Be sure to wear warm clothing, nights are usually cool in SF and bring official ID, if necessary.

TRANSPORT / PARKING

There is parking in the area, but it can be hard-to-find and expensive, so please consider taking public transport, it will probably be faster than driving. The tour starts right in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

WHERE TO MEET

The guide will be checking-in guests from 15 minutes before the tour on the corner of Post and Powell Streets, in Union Square. Please bring either a paper or electronic copy of this ticket for the guide.

We normally wait 5 minutes for latecomers (if necessary) before starting the tour. We have an average of 10 guests per guide, so it's very likely there will be other people on this tour. We CANNOT hold for latecomers - it's not fair or professional. There are NO refunds if you miss the tour.

TIPS / GRATUITIES

It's customary, if guests enjoy the tour, to tip the guide (this is a service industry). Obviously it’s up to you, but please bear in mind that our guides work very hard to make your experience enjoyable and a gratuity is a sign of appreciation. Guides are able to accept cashless tips via an app.

FINALLY!

Thank you again and see you on the tour.

About San Francisco

San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours for a tour $45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature/Park Half-day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.

Entertainment/Shopping/Dining Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining

Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.

Bread Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.

Seafood Contains shellfish

Mission Burrito

The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.

Main Course Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.

Dessert Contains dairy, may contain nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Marin Headlands Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge Spa day at a luxury hotel Picnic in Golden Gate Park Wine tasting in Napa Valley Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.

13-22°C 55-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe

Getting there

By air

San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown

By train

Emeryville Station, Richmond Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

North Beach Haight-Ashbury Mission District Castro Marina District

Day trips

Sausalito

15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.

Napa Valley

80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight

Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.

Muir Woods National Monument

25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.

Festivals

San Francisco Pride • June Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August Union Street Italian Festival • October

Pro tips

Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions